EPSRC funded EngD: 3D printing of complex dressings for the regeneration of diabetic foot ulcers

糖尿病足溃疡(DFU)是糖尿病患者足部开放的慢性伤口，如果处理不当可能导致截肢。DFU是每个患者和医疗系统的主要负担，因为溃疡愈合时间从一个月到几年不等，需要密集的伤口护理努力。DFU分为三类：缺血型、神经病理性和神经缺血型(最常见)。就神经病因学而言，溃疡是由于足部缺乏知觉而导致压力点和擦伤，并发展为开放性伤口。为了满足这些患者的高度医疗需求，治疗目标是a)加速伤口愈合，b)防止复发，c)最终避免截肢。大华大学的研究小组已经开发出一种方法，可以生产出含有与人类组织非常相似的皮肤的三层细胞。在这个项目中，我们将密切合作，进一步开发这项技术，使其能够修复复杂的伤口，具有非病理组织的颜色，并最终无缝地再生这些经常改变生命的伤口。

Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) are open chronic wounds on the feet of diabetes patients that can lead to amputation if not managed correctly. DFU are a major burden to each patient and to the healthcare system as Ulcer healing times can range from one month to years and demand intensive wound care efforts. DFUs are subclassified into three categories: ischemic, neuropathic, and neuroischemic (most prevalent). In the case of neuropathic etiology, Ulcers are caused by lack of sensation in the foot leading to pressure points and abrasions which develop into open wounds. To address the high medical need in these patients, the treatment goal is a) to accelerate wound healing, b) to prevent recurrence, to c) avoid amputation ultimately. The team at UoB have developed a method to produce trilayered cell containing skin with a close resemblance to human tissues. In this project we will work closely to further develop this technology so that it is able to restore complex wounds, have the colour of non-pathological tissue, and ultimately seamlessly regenerate these often life changing wounds.